If you're a vegetarian or a vegan, you might have noticed that your skin is a lot drier than most other people's skin. While there isn't any research that can prove that there's a link between eating meat and having more hydrated skin, it does make sense because meat and meat-based products are rich in fatty acids which help keep your skin nourished and moisturised.
Fatty acids, ceramides, and cholesterol help make up the natural barrier on your skin. This barrier can help keep bacteria and impurities away while also sealing moisture in your skin. It's a known fact that large numbers of omega 3 fatty acids are derived from animal-based products like salmon, sardines, oysters, fish oil, eggs, and cheese which is why most vegetarians may not be getting the benefits of these foods.
However, there are plant sources that contain omega 3 fatty acids and they can help restore the moisture in your skin. These foods are nuts, peanuts, olives, avocados, chia seeds, walnuts, flax seeds, seaweeds, algae like spirulina and oils such as olive, sunflower, safflower or argan. Apart from taking care of your diet, it is also important that you use the right moisturisers on your skin. Avoid foaming cleansers and body washes that can strip essential oils from your skin. You could even speak to a dermatologist to help figure out which products will suit you best.
